High Value PF
Derrick Favors, UTA vs OKC ($5,700): Favors managed just 11.5 fantasy points in 23 minutes against the Thunder on Wednesday. He bounced back with 28.25 fantasy points against the Spurs on Thursday. It’s doubtful that he and the rest of the Jazz will play as bad as they did against Oklahoma City on Wednesday. They’re at home and had a day off, while the Thunder expended plenty of energy on Friday. Favors has been great all season with Rudy Gobert out of the lineup. He’s the top rebounding option and scoring option in the paint for Utah. The return of Donovan Mitchell should make his life easier. *****
Lauri Markkanen, CHI at BOS ($5,100): Markknanen has been at value or better in four of his last five. He’s still adjusting to playing alongside Nikola Mirotic, who has taken away rebound opportunities from him, but he’s still a solid scoring option in the Bulls offense. He’s hit value in 71 percent of games this year, proving to be a reliable option as a rookie. The Celtics are starting to struggle a bit and are 19th against the position in their last 15 games. Without Marcus Morris and Jaylen Brown, Markkanen can take advantage of some weaker defensive matchups. ****
DeMarre Carroll, BKN at IND ($4,800): Carroll’s minutes have been kept down in his last three contests, which means he should be well rested on the back-to-back. He struggled a week ago against the Pacers, contributing just 10 fantasy points in 23 minutes. I’m not too concerned about those struggles given how reliable he’s been this season. He’s hit value in 74 percent of contests. He can do a little bit of everything and is the most reliable player in the Brooklyn frontcourt. He’s a relatively low cost option that should be 6+ fantasy points above his value. ***
HM: Dirk Nowitzki ($4,500):</b.